#TisTheSeasonForStays: Airbnb reveals the top holiday spots for Filipinos

• Sorsogon is the top trending domestic destination for Filipinos this holiday season, while Japanese cities like Taito, Shinjuku, and Osaka are the most popular international destinations

 

Airbnb is wrapping up 2023 by revealing its annual holiday season trends^[1], revealing trending domestic and international destinations, as well as the Airbnb Categories that are popular among Filipinos. With travel returning in full swing this year, Filipinos are exploring more off-the-beaten-path destinations or crossing borders to soak up different cultures.

 

Domestically, Filipinos are gravitating towards the country's pristine waters, with the laidback city of Sorsogon City in Bicol as the leading trending^[2] destination for the holiday season. Following closely are beach destination San Felipe in Zambales and urban retreat Las Piñas City in Metro Manila. Hotspots Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Boracay in Aklan remain popular among locals.

 

Filipinos are also looking to cross borders this holiday season, with a particular fascination for various cities in the Land of the Rising Sun. Taito has notably claimed the top spot as the most searched international destination, celebrated for its multifaceted charm. Hong Kong follows closely behind, with more Japanese cities such as Shinjuku and Osaka completing the list of sought-after destinations.

 

Tropical stays are the top of Pinoy travelers’ itineraries, making it the most booked Category^[3] of the season. Iconic Cities take the second spot, while outdoor enthusiasts drive the popularity of Amazing Pools, National Parks, and Golfing categories, reflecting a growing trend among Filipino travelers seeking unique outdoor experiences.

 

With the holiday season fast approaching, Filipinos can take advantage of the new major upgrades including Guest Favorites, Revamped ratings and reviews, and Listings tab. Here are some Airbnbs in both domestic and international trending destinations to get those planning started!

Elves wanted! Spend the Holidays at Santa’s Official Post Office, Now on Airbnb

• Santa’s Official Post Office in Rovaniemi, Finland, is expected to receive over 30,000 letters daily from children and adults around the world this Christmas.
• To help the elves, Santa Claus’ Cabin has been listed on Airbnb for guests - free of charge - to roll up their sleeves, lend a hand with the letters, and experience the joy of the holiday season from the Arctic Circle.
• Booking for this especially festive stay opens December 11 at 12pm EET/December 11, 6pm PHT at airbnb.com/santa.

 

 

Santa’s Official Post Office¹ in Rovaniemi, Finland, is expected to receive over 30,000 letters daily from children and adults around the world this year. In a bid to attract novice elves, Santa Claus’ Cabin has been listed on Airbnb for guests - free of charge - to roll up their sleeves, lend a hand with the backlog of letters and experience the joy of the holiday season from the Arctic Circle.

The Traveler’s Guide to Celebrating Thailand’s Festival of Lights (Loy Krathong) this November

Thailand is set to sparkle this November as the country celebrates one of its most colourful and picturesque cultural festivals – Loy Krathong, also known as the Festival of Lights.

 

To celebrate the water goddess Phrae Mae Khongkha, millions of Thais float (loy) a little raft (krathong) commonly made from banana trunk and topped with flowers and candles. The krathongs carry the hopes, wishes, and gratitude of individuals, and represent the act of letting go of the old and ushering in the new.

 

Loy Krathong is celebrated nationwide every year, on the night of the full moon of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar. The festival takes place on 27 November this year, and is a special occasion for both Thais and travellers who flock to the country for this dazzling festival.

Airbnb 2023 Winter Release: Introducing Guest Favorites, a collection of the 2 million most-loved homes on Airbnb

Plus revamped ratings & reviews, and the new Listings tab featuring a set of tools to help Hosts better showcase their homes

 

 

Airbnb has more than 7 million homes all over the world. Each home is one-of-a-kind, and this uniqueness is what sets Airbnb apart. But guests have told us that with so much variety, it can be hard to know what they’re going to get. This is why many people prefer hotels, and it’s the #1 obstacle preventing them from booking on Airbnb.

New report shows Airbnb contribution to the Philippines economy and jobs since post pandemic travel reshuffle

Airbnb activities contributed USD$840 million (45.7 million pesos) to Gross Domestic Product and supported almost 103,800 jobs in the Philippines in 2022* alone. 

In 2022*, one in every 77 jobs in the tourism industry in the Philippines was associated with Airbnb.

Report also explores dispersal of tourism away from urban areas, and long-term stays driven by the emergence of flexible work arrangements since the pandemic.

New research from Oxford Economics found Airbnb is an important pillar of the Philippines’s tourism industry, with its activities contributing USD$840 million (45.7 million pesos) to Gross Domestic Product and supporting almost 103,800 jobs in the Philippines in 2022* alone. 

Spend the night in Shrek's Swamp, now on Airbnb

• This Halloween, Donkey is swamp-sitting for his best pal, DreamWorks Animation’s SHREK, and he’s rolling out the welcome mat to host fairytale creatures of all kinds while he’s there.
• Shrek’s mud-laden, moss-covered, murky-watered swamp is situated among the rolling hills of Scotland where guests can stay up late, swap stories, and eat like an ogre – because in the morning, Donkey’s making waffles!
• Onion and ogre enthusiasts can request to book this fairytale stay in Shrek’s Swamp beginning October 13 at 6 p.m. BST / October 14 at 1 a.m. PHT.

 

 

Once upon a time, a very chatty donkey agreed to swamp-sit for Shrek. Before he hits the road again, Donkey is inviting guests near and far, far away to sleep like an ogre in Shrek’s Swamp, only on Airbnb.

 

Located among the hills of the Scottish Highlands, Shrek’s Swamp is a stumpy, secluded haven fit for a solitude-seeking ogre – and for the first time ever, a handful of his biggest fans.

 

“Shrek’s Swamp is lovely. Just beautiful. The perfect place to entertain guests,” Donkey said. “You know what I like about it? Everything. The overgrown landscaping, the modest interiors, the nice boulders, all of it. I can’t wait for guests to experience this muddy slice of paradise for themselves.”

‘Tis the Season for Stays: Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Airbnb Stays in the Philippines

As the Philippines welcomes the ‘ber-months’, there’s a palpable shift in the atmosphere — a familiar scent of the holiday cheer that warms the air. It's a time when Christmas carols resonate through bustling malls and streets, and homes transform into glittering wonderlands adorned with festive lights and parols, marking the arrival of the most enchanting season of the year.

 

With domestic travel continuing to be popular among Filipinos, the holiday season offers an irresistible opportunity for creating more meaningful travel moments. Whether you are adventuring with a travel buddy, relishing the joy with family, or embarking on a solo escapade — this is an Airbnb Stay for everyone. Discover some of the perfect Airbnb Stays to make your holiday travel dreams come true.

Airbnb sees strong travel interest to the Philippines among Southeast Asian travelers

Latest data highlights a surge in interest among Chinese travelers looking to visit the Philippines, and more dispersed travel amongst domestic travellers to off-the-beaten-path destinations

 

 

Latest data from Airbnb reveals that Airbnb Hosts and guests are emerging as key drivers of economic activity in destinations and communities across the Philippines.

 

While the pandemic had caused unprecedented disruption to global tourism and international visitor numbers to plummet by more than 70 percent^[1], Airbnb is seeing a strong rebound in both international and domestic guest arrivals across the Southeast Asian region, including the Philippines.

Solo travel and private room stays on Airbnb gain momentum in the Philippines

• Latest Airbnb data shows solo travel by Filipinos on the platform grew over 185% year-on-year in 2022
• Airbnb nights booked in private rooms in the Philippines grew by over 200% in 2022 when compared to 2021
• Last year, private room Hosts in Philippines earned over PHP 540 million through hosting on the platform
• Airbnb’s dedicated Solo Traveller Safety feature is now available in over 50 languages, including Tagalog 

 

New Airbnb data reveals that Filipino travelers are increasingly going solo, as solo travel by Filipinos on the platform increased over 185% year-on-year in 2022^[1] as compared to 2021.

 

Platform data also revealed that Airbnb nights booked in private room listings in the Philippines surged over 200% last year^[2]. At an average rate of approximately PHP 2,200 per night, private rooms on Airbnb are an increasingly popular option amongst solo travelers^[3].

 

Hosting serves as an economic lifeline for many, with the typical private room Host^[4] earning more than ever. Last year, private room Hosts in the Philippines earned over PHP 540 Million. 

Step into sporting history with a stay at the home of the founder of the modern Olympics, now on Airbnb

• Airbnb is proud to announce its position as an Official Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays, and to celebrate, is opening the doors to an iconic stop on the Olympic torch route.
• The childhood home of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, is now available on Airbnb.

 

 

With almost a year until Paris 2024, the childhood home of Baron Pierre de Coubertin has been transformed to take guests on a journey through time. For one night only guests will get the opportunity to immerse themselves in Olympic history in Château de Mirville, an iconic stop on the Olympic torch relay in 2024.

 

Built in the 16th century, Château de Mirville is where the young Coubertin developed a love of sports that would eventually inspire him to revive and evolve the ancient Olympic Games into the modern Games as we know them today. And on July 18, one night in the historic home - recently restored to its original grandeur with the support of the IOC and Airbnb’s Heritage and Local Tourism program - will be opened to a unique stay on Airbnb for €24* in honor of Paris 2024.

Rediscover Japan from a historic Gassho home in World Heritage Site Gokayama, now on Airbnb

• For the first time in decades, Suganuma village - a World Heritage Site - is opening its doors to overnight guest
• Following three years of border closures and travel restrictions, this picturesque village in Japan – typically only open to residents once the sun goes down – offers travelers the opportunity to experience the history and heritage of a cultural time capsule.
• For two nights only, the Nakashima family – fifth generation locals – are hosting guests under the 170-year-old thatched roof of their family home for an authentic stay immersed in the rich traditions of the area.

 

 

Situated on the shores of the Sho River and surrounded by high, rugged mountains, the nine-home village of Suganuma is one of the most beautiful and charming places in Japan. It is also one of the country’s best kept secrets.

 

This summer, Airbnb is offering guests the opportunity to experience this World Heritage Site in a way no one else has in over 20 years – with an overnight stay in one of its historic homes.

 

With great support from Nanto City and the Nakashima family – fifth generation locals – are listing their centuries-old, thatched-roof house on the platform, Airbnb will enable guests to explore Suganuma village in an incredibly authentic way.

 

Following three years of travel restrictions, lockdowns and isolation, locals and travelers alike are seeking connection with the world around them. In a recent survey^[1], over 60 percent of respondents said they felt traveling on Airbnb provided a closer connection to the local culture than staying in a hotel or resort. Often regarded as a “hidden village” because it is without tourist accommodations (and typically, only residents are permitted to enter after dusk), Suganuma is a cultural time capsule. This unique Airbnb stay offers guests the opportunity to experience the village in a way that upholds its traditions and preserves its heritage for generations to come. 

 

   

 

The village’s Gassho-zukuri style farmhouses, like the Nakashimas’ family home, are particular to the region, with their pitched, thatched roof structures enabling these homes to withstand heavy winter snowfall and the test of time. The thatching technique is a local tradition that requires a great deal of time and effort, so locals work together based on the system of yui, the spirit of mutual support, in which Suganuma and its preservation are rooted.

 

“We are honored to offer a truly unique experience in Suganuma village, a World Heritage Site, through our collaboration with Airbnb. The rich history and vibrant culture of this charming small town, coupled with the warm hearts of the people who live there, will make for a fascinating and restorative stay. We hope this campaign brings attention to this beautiful destination for both Japanese residents and guests from around the world,” stated Mr. Mikio Tanaka, Mayor of Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture.

 

“I am delighted to open my family’s home for a unique stay that will enable guests to enjoy the traditional life of our beautiful village of Suganuma. Through our collaboration with Airbnb, my family and I look forward to providing guests with unique experiences that have been part of our village for centuries,” commented Mr. Shinichi Nakashima, Airbnb Host.

 

About the stay

A beautiful example of living in harmony with nature, Suganuma is a feast for both the eyes and the soul. The Nakashima family are proud to invite one group of two guests* to see their peaceful valley for themselves for a two-night stay from July 17 - 19, 2023 for $0** – a nod to the priceless nature of the experience.

During their stay, guests will:

• Enjoy a traditional welcome tea and local dishes prepared by Mr. Nakashima including Gokayama tofu, mountain vegetables and freshly-caught river fish.
• Learn about local traditions that have been sustained for centuries, such as the making of washi, a paper made of local fiber, and the creation of sasara, a traditional instrument featured in one of the region’s oldest folk songs.
• Enjoy a magical evening light show and folk song experience, where locals illuminate their traditional homes and local song and dance is showcased.
• Participate in a hands-on workshop crafting thatched roofs emblematic of local Gassho-zukuri building techniques.
• Explore the sanctity of the village’s lush surroundings with a relaxing guided bike ride.

 

To facilitate disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature while on site, guests will receive a “Disconnect to Connect” kit that includes a  stationary set made of traditional washi paper, an instant camera and local aromatherapy kit. 

 

How to book

Those interested in exploring one of Japan’s hidden gems like a local can request to book this stay beginning Friday, June 30 at 9 a.m JST (Thursday, June 29 at 8 p.m. ET) at airbnb.com/gassho.

 

Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Suganuma village, and should note that this stay’s rules require following applicable local rules and guidelines as well as Airbnb’s COVID-19 Safety Practices, which will include wearing a mask and practicing social distancing when required by local laws or guidelines. On-site staff will also comply with local rules and guidelines while on-site, and will abide by our five-step enhanced cleaning process.

 

Interested in becoming an Airbnb Host? Learn more at airbnb.com/host.

 

*This two-night stay is available for one participant and their fellow guest and is not a contest.

**Inclusive of taxes and fees

 

Airbnb is closely monitoring Japanese COVID-19 infection rates and government policies. Airbnb will determine if it is necessary to cancel the stay.

Discover Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, on Airbnb

With his new film set to land in cinemas this month, Wes Anderson’s distinctive aesthetic is as popular as ever. This roundup of cinematic stays perfectly fits the vibe.

So many people are creating their own version of Wes Anderson’s iconic symmetry and colour scheme on social media using the hashtag #wesanderson. The trend has amassed over 977M views. 

For anyone wanting to star in their very own Wes Anderson movie, Airbnb and Universal Pictures today reveal 10 listings from around the world that perfectly fit the aesthetic — from The Grand Budapest Hotel to his much anticipated new film Asteroid City — giving fans the opportunity to recreate their own Wes movie moment, just like Jason Schwartzman and Scarlett Johansson.  

Set to land in cinemas this month, Asteroid City takes place in a fictional desert town circa 1955. In the film, a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention – organized to bring students and parents together from across the country for a scholarly competition – is spectacularly disrupted by world-changing events. Get ready for the film by checking out the Airbnb homes below, which offer the ideal setting for anyone who dreams of recreating their own Wes Anderson-inspired moments.

Preview Seoul Fashion Week with K-Pop’s ENHYPEN at Dongdaemun Design Plaza - bookable on Airbnb

• For the first time ever, K-Pop powerhouse ENHYPEN are opening the doors to an overnight stay at the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul
• Located in Seoul’s most fashionable district, guests will steal the spotlight with an overnight stay ON the runway the night before Seoul Fashion Week in September 2023
• Guests will get a sneak preview of new collections and exclusive passes to Seoul Fashion Week including front row seats with some of K-Fashion’s biggest names

 

 

Get your lightsticks ready! ENHYPEN is set to kick off Seoul Fashion Week in September 2023 with the world's first overnight stay at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), the soul of style in Seoul.

 

Following their appearances at Milan Fashion Week, K-Pop’s ENHYPEN are becoming Airbnb Hosts and inviting two lucky guests to preview Seoul Fashion Week with an overnight stay at DDP. Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, DDP is a major landmark in South Korea’s capital city, and hub to a thriving design, art and fashion scene.

Airbnb reveals the Philippines is one of its most romantic destinations for Valentine’s Day

• Latest Airbnb data reveals Philippines has one of the highest proportions of couples travelling together during the Valentine’s Day period
• Whether you’re confidently single, looking to explore new places with your SO, or just craving time away with the barkada or family, why not enjoy a quick getaway with Airbnb this Valentine’s?

Ever wondered which countries top the tables for travel over the Valentine’s Day period? Airbnb today reveals the Philippines as one of Airbnb’s most romantic destinations around the world. The country has one of the highest proportions of couples travelling together for Valentine’s Day, alongside Puerto Rico, Netherlands, Greece and New Zealand.

 

This Valentine, why not create new memories with your loved ones with a memorable travel getaway? No matter how you  celebrate love, there surely is an ideal and easy-on-the-pocket Airbnb Stay for you.

Airbnb reveals 2022 top destinations for Filipinos and next year’s travel trends

• This year, FIlipino travelers sought out Airbnb Stays in Tropical, Amazing Pools and Nature Parks categories
• Looking ahead to 2023, Filipinos are planning trips to domestic spots including Cebu City, El Nido and Baguio; and international destinations including Singapore and Australia

 

 

This December, Airbnb is wrapping up the year with a bow by revealing its top destinations and Airbnb Categories of stays in 2022, and providing a sneak peek at what 2023 has in store.

 

In 2022, Pinoy guests on Airbnb found themselves most enjoying a tropical getaway, or relaxing by the poolside. The Tropical and Amazing Pools Categories of stays ranked top in terms of Filipinos’ most-booked homes, with outdoor categories including National Parks, Golf, Lake Houses, Beachfront and Surfing just close behind.*

Hosting on Airbnb gains momentum in the Philippines amidst growing appetite for travel

 New Airbnb survey shows that over half of all FIlipinos polled are interested in becoming Airbnb Hosts to take advantage of the new appetite for travel

Filipinos are embracing flexible travel, with 65 percent saying they are now more flexible with their holiday type and travel dates

 

 

As the holiday season awaits and the travel rebound continues to unfold, more Filipino travelers are embracing flexible travel while more homeowners turn to hosting on Airbnb for additional income. A new survey commissioned by Airbnb* reveals that over half of Filipinos polled expressed interest in becoming Airbnb Hosts to take advantage of the new appetite for travel.

 

Around the world, Airbnb has seen strong growth rates of  new Hosts, especially in countries with high inflation rates. Notably, 77 percent of Filipinos polled said they were looking for ways to offset rising costs of living. The survey also shows that desire for travel remains high, with over a quarter of respondents saying that they will continue to find ways to travel even if general costs of living rise.

The one-and-only Hobbiton from The Lord of the Rings is now on Airbnb

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, guests will be transported to Middle-earth™ with an exclusive overnight stay at the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand.

Fans will get the chance to live like Hobbits in the original filming location and explore the behind-the-scenes making of the film trilogies that have become an unexpected holiday classic.

 

For the first time ever, fans from around the world can explore the faraway lands of their favorite holiday films with an exclusive overnight stay at the original Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Russell Alexander is inviting guests to his family’s property to live like Bilbo Baggins and retreat to The Shire™ for an overnight stay at Hobbiton, as featured in the famed The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.

 

Nestled in the picturesque pastures of New Zealand’s Waikato region on a 2,500-acre working farm, the property’s rolling, green hills – bear a striking similarity to The Shire™ as described by J. R. R. Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings, and captivated Sir Peter Jackson’s movie scouts more than two decades ago. The team quickly realized the Hobbits had found their home – and this holiday season, it could be yours.

Holiday like an A-lister: Celebrity-owned Airbnb Stays to book this yuletide season

Live in a celebrity’s home for a day — in the Philippines and around the world!

 

The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, and everyone’s social calendars are filling up with long-awaited get-togethers, and joyful merrymaking over meals and drinks. For those looking for a unique holiday destination this year, here’s an idea: experience living the life of the rich and the famous by booking their homes for a day.

 

From picturesque rest houses to a stunning lakefront property in Canada, all owned by top Filipina celebrities — these Airbnb Stays will definitely make you and your guests feel like a VIP for the weekend or however long you wish to stay!

 

Marjorie Barretto’s River Garden rest house in Calumpit, Bulacan

 

The Barrettos’ expansive rest house was made available on Airbnb for the first time this October, and mother-and-daughter duo Marjorie and Julia Barretto personally welcomed their first Airbnb guests. For Filipinos who missed the opportunity to book the idyllic resthouse for a refreshing getaway, Marjorie recently announced that the resthouse will remain bookable on Airbnb!

 

Zsa Zsa Padilla’s Casa Esperanza in Lucban, Quezon

 

Nestled between swaying coconut trees and emerald rice paddies is Casa Esperanza, the weekend home and passion project of the “Divine Diva”, singer Zsa Zsa Padilla and partner famed architect Conrad Onglao. The estate houses several main areas: the main house with a living, kitchen, and dining area; three casitas with their own luxurious bathrooms; a service area and garage; a greenhouse and the stunning infinity pool that overlooks a pond and fountain with lush foliage all around.

 

Yassi Pressman’s lakefront property in Ontario, Canada

 

British-Filipino model, and actress Yassi Pressman wrote in an Instagram post last 2021 that she had built a home in Lake Scugog, Ontario with the intention of opening its doors to travelers on Airbnb. Fast forward, the lakefront property has long since welcomed numerous travelers and many are raving about the luxurious yet tranquil experience it provides. Perfectly positioned facing west capturing all of the sun’s shine throughout the day, the space is equipped with a dock and a boathouse, and boasts an open-concept layout for travelers wanting a retreat outside of the city.

 

Soon-to-open farm property of journalists Susan, Mark, Atom, Branden, and Alex in Cavite

 

Television and radio host Susan Enriquez recently shared that her new bed-and-breakfast, Balustre Cerca, will be open to the public very soon. The property is situated within a shared farm lot she jointly owns with fellow news colleagues Mark Salazar, Atom Araullo, Branden Milla, and Alex Baltazar — and this is where the five and their families regularly go to take a breather from life in the metro. The beautiful farm comes with four A-frame air-conditioned cabins, one swimming pool, a pavilion, an outdoor kitchen, and parking.

For Filipinos interested to learn more about becoming an Airbnb Host, you can find useful tips and information at airbnb.com/host. To discover more unique stays for the holidays, visit airbnb.com or download the Airbnb app. 

From traditional ryokans to manga-themed stays: Top 10 most wishlisted Airbnb Stays for your next trip to Japan

It’s time to include Japan on your travel destination list! The Land of the Rising Sun fully reopened for visa-free, individual travel earlier this month and the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines has announced that they are now accepting applications for all visas.

 

According to latest data from an Airbnb survey conducted among Filipinos this October, 9 in 10 Filipino adults intend to travel to Japan when they are able to and 45 percent ranked Japan their number one travel wishlist destination. The data also showed that 71 percent of Filipino respondents would like to visit a major city in Japan. Approximately a third indicated that having a unique accommodation was important when traveling to Japan.*

 

Airbnb has further revealed the top searched destinations in Japan by global travelers on the platform:**

1. Osaka
2. Tokyo
3. Shinjuku
4. Shibuya
5. Fukuoka
6. Kyoto
7. Taito
8. Sapporo
9. Okinawa
10. Niseko

 

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said, “We greatly welcome the lifting of Japan’s travel restrictions, as it is an extremely popular destination for international travelers including Filipinos. We know that many are excitedly gearing up to plan holidays for the end-of-year festive season and next year.”

Pets Approved: Travel with your furry friends with Airbnb this festive season

This week marks World Animal Day, an international day celebrating all animals and promoting a better future for animals all over the world. As the festive season rapidly approaches, there’s no better time to start planning a getaway for your loved ones – with fur kids in tow. 

Around the world, Airbnb Hosts have welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests and their beloved pets. As the pandemic pet boom continues and travel resumes, guests are increasingly looking for domestic stays that allow them to bring their furry friends along, with ample outdoor space for all to roam around.